Apparatus and method for presenting apparent motion visual displays

ABSTRACT

A system for providing visual art, entertainment and advertising in subway tunnels. The system illuminated brings into view successive pieces of artwork displayed within the tunnel such that passengers on a moving subway railcar will see an apparent motion picture effect. In an exemplary embodiment of the system, strobe lights coupled to the subway railcar or within the tunnel itself are flashed as a function of the speed of the railcar to sequentially illuminate the fixed pieces of artwork. In one embodiment, a rotatable scroll containing portions of plurality of separate artwork sequences enables remote selected of the artwork pieces. In another embodiment, the frames of artwork are displayed through a slide projection (129) system or a flat screen LED monitor linked to a remote control terminal for changing the displays. In an alternate embodiment, a soundtrack coordinated with the artwork plays along as the railcar passes by. In still another embodiment, successive rows of LED lights are mounted on the wall&#39;s surface facing the railcar, each light coupled to a control system for flashing the light for a prescribed period.

This application claims benefits to U.S. Provisional No. 60/022,315filed Jul. 23, 1996.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to visual displays, and moreparticularly, to an apparatus and method for illuminating individualpieces of fixed artwork such that an observer on a moving object sees avisual display in which the artwork has an apparent motion pictureeffect.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Millions of commuters throughout the world travel on trains, subways andelevators to get from one place to another each day. During thesecommutes, the commuter is temporarily held captive and must somehow passtime until reaching the desired destination. Until now, nobody has beenable to deliver a system that meets the needs of public art andentertainment for commuters while proving financially beneficial forpublic transportation systems.

Artists, advertisers and others in the media constantly strive topresent artwork and messages in ways that grasp and hold the attentionof the viewer. One way this has been achieved is through the use ofmotion pictures. Throughout the modern era, viewers have been fascinatedby motion pictures as a vehicle for receiving information. Thecaptivating quality of a motion picture derives in part from its realismand ability to convey action in a way that fixed artwork cannot.

In an increasingly fragmented media marketplace, those skilled in theart of developing new applications would prefer a novel and versatileform of media that captures the attention of the commuter, presentsinformation in a captivating way and makes public transportation moredesirable.

The theory of kinetoscopes and their application to moving vehicles isknown in the art, but each system presented suffers from drawbacks thatmake them impractical. U.S. Pat. No. 5,108,171, for example, uses anunnecessarily complex system of coded light signals to trigger the lightsource to illuminate the artwork. U.S. Pat. No. 4,383,742 uses anillumination system which is impractical because it requires more spacethan is typically available in many subway tunnels. Both systems maysuffer from blurred images because there is no assurance that when onepiece of artwork is illuminated, it will not also illuminate a portionof the adjacent artwork, thus creating a distorted frame.

Furthermore, there is no way in existing systems to rapidly change thepieces of artwork presented to the commuter. Advertisers and otherswould desire a system in which their displays could be varied. Inexisting systems, the artwork is mounted to a platform or affixed to thetunnel wall. To change the pieces of artwork, one would have tophysically enter the tunnel, remove the artwork pieces and replace themwith the new ones, which is difficult, time consuming and poses safetyconcerns.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is therefore provided according to the present invention a new andinnovative apparatus and method for providing visual art, entertainmentand advertising by illuminating or otherwise bringing into view singlesuccessive pieces or “frames” of artwork so that passengers will see theindividual artwork pieces in the same relative location and in a rapidenough time sequence that an apparent motion picture effect is seen inthe art.

In a presently preferred embodiment, the pieces of artwork are affixedto walls of a dark or dimly lit subway tunnel. Strobe lights coupled tothe subway railcar or within the tunnel itself are flashed as a functionof the speed of the railcar to sequentially illuminate the fixed piecesof artwork. The effect of this sequential illumination is thatpassengers on the railcar see a visual display in which the artwork hasapparent motion. To avoid image distortion, two separate controlcircuits are used to trigger the strobes for adjacent pieces of artwork.The system also allows the artwork to be remotely changed. In oneembodiment, a scrolled artwork system containing portions of a pluralityof separate artwork sequences enables selection of the artwork pieces.In another embodiment, the frames of artwork are displayedelectronically through a slide projection system or a flat screen LEDmonitor linked by a cable or satellite to a remote control terminal forchanging the displays.

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a soundtrackcoordinated with the artwork plays along as the railcar passes by. Whenviewers pass a certain section of artwork they will hear the soundtrackassociated with that section. In still another embodiment, successiverows of LED lights are mounted on the wall's surface facing the railcar,each light coupled to a control system for flashing the light for aprescribed period. The combination of the flashing lights and the movingrailcar is used to present messages or images to the viewers in transit.

By animating tunnel walls with apparent motion visual displays that canbe changed, a benefit of the present invention is its ability to makepublic transportation on trains and subways more appealing forcommuters.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other advantages of the present invention will be readilyunderstood and appreciated upon consideration of the following detaileddescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a subway railcar and artwork affixed towalls of a subway tunnel;

FIG. 2 is a view of exemplary frames of artwork as would be seen througha subway rail car window;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the geometric relationship between thestrobe lights and artwork;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary strobe light control system;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of another exemplary strobe light controlsystem;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of yet another exemplary strobe light controlsystem;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an exemplary control scheme for controllingthe flash rate of individual strobe lights;

FIGS. 8a- 8 f are various views of an embodiment of the presentinvention in which strobe lights are window mounted to the interior ofthe railcar;

FIGS. 9a- 9 e are various views of an embodiment of the presentinvention in which the strobe lights are mounted to the exterior of therailcar;

FIG. 10 is a diagram of an exemplary beam/mirror sensor system forilluminating the artwork;

FIG. 11 is a view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention inwhich the strobe light is mounted within the tunnel and focused on theartwork;

FIG. 12 is a diagram of an alternate embodiment in which onlyalternating frames of artwork are illuminated to promote image clarity;

FIGS. 13a and 13 b are block diagrams showing the control mechanism forthe alternate embodiment of FIG. 12;

FIGS. 14a and 14 b are views of an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention in which a remotely controllable scrolling system displays theartwork;

FIG. 15 is a view of another embodiment of the present invention inwhich a remotely controllable stroboscopic slide projection systemdisplays the artwork;

FIG. 16 is still another embodiment of the present invention in whichremotely controllable electronic monitors display the artwork;

FIG. 17 is a perspective diagram illustrating an exemplary placement ofspeakers within the railcar for implementing a soundtrack to accompanythe apparent motion visual display;

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a circuit for implementing a soundtrackfor the apparent motion visual display;

FIG. 19 is an alternate embodiment of the present invention involvingsystematically illuminating vertical strips of light bulbs; and

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a passenger on a railcar observing theactive vertical strips of light bulbs according to the embodiment ofFIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, in an exemplary embodiment, pieces of artwork 10are affixed to a surface 12. This surface may be the wall of a subwaytunnel, a canvas, poster board, or any other platform or substrate onwhich artwork can be displayed, drawn or presented. Each piece ofartwork is analogous to a single frame of a motion picture. The artworkmay encompass a wide variety of forms including, for example, posters,paintings, pictures or even “invisible” ink drawings that becomeilluminated by infrared or other special types of light. Other artworkdisplays, described in more detail below, include artwork scrolls, slideprojected images and images on monitors. Any type of artwork or drawingis suitable so long as its visibility can be controlled by some means.

In an exemplary embodiment, stroboscopic lights 14 are focused on thepieces of artwork. As the railcar 16 moves through the tunnel, thestrobe light facing the corresponding piece of artwork flashes, therebyilluminating successive “frames” of artwork for the equivalent of oneframe. Through the sequential illumination of frames, the movingpassenger observes through railcar windows 18 an apparent motion pictureshow on the surface.

Referring to FIG. 2, six pieces 20 a-f of a sample motion picturesequence are shown, in which each piece of artwork is like a framedepicting a fraction of a movement. The developer of the artwork hasgreat discretion in developing an apparent motion visual displayaccording to the present invention. For example, the frames may tell astory or involve particular themes between stations. The sequence mayinvolve animation, or may be used to flash messages, art oradvertisements to viewers. In any given sequence, there may be hundredsor thousands of posters of artwork, depending on the length of thetunnel between adjacent stations.

Referring to FIG. 3, a schematic diagram of the geometric relation ofthe strobe light to the artwork is shown according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. Relevant parameters are set forthin Table 1 as follows:

TABLE 1 Parameters N number of frames per second desired T period offlash cycle = 1/N d₁ distance between artwork w₁ width of artwork Bwidth of strobe light beam at artwork v velocity of train t_(i) timeperiod during which strobe light is on t_(r) time period during whichstrobe light is off

Relevant relationships between certain parameters include:

Relationships

t _(i) +t _(r)=1/N

T=d ₁ /v

d ₁ =Tv

In order for the passenger to view the artwork in the same relativeposition (consistent field of view), the flash rate, N, shouldpreferably vary as a function of the train speed. If the flash rate andspeed are not synchronized, the artwork will tend to move past theviewer's field of vision, or drift, in one direction or the other.

N=v/d ₁

Assuming there is a range of flashes per second at which the motionpicture effect will work, the above formula defines a range of speedsdepending on the size of the artwork.

If the duration of time the light is on is a significant fraction of theperiod, T, the duration of the flash may become another importantconsideration for a number of issues. Since strobe lights tend to have avery short duration, on the order of a microsecond, many concernsregarding flash duration can usually be ignored.

Issues Dependent on Flash Duration

Following are general considerations, some or all of which should betaken into account in designing an apparent motion visual displayaccording to the present invention. The following general issues neednot be taken into account, for example, if the flash duration is shorterthan about 10 milliseconds, the distance between artwork is less thanabout 10 feet and the size of the artwork is under about six feet:

The artwork size will also be a function of the difference between theamount of time the light is on and off and train speed. Assume that theratio of t_(i)/t_(r)=1(light is on as long as it is off), then t_(i)=T/2=t _(r).

The light beam size (angle) will be a function of the amount of time thelight is on and off and also the train speed.

In order for the artwork to be fully illuminated for the full time thatthe light is on, the width of the light beam at the artwork, B, must bewider than the artwork by a distance equal to or more than vt_(i). Thus,if when the light comes on, the leading edge of the beam is at the righthand edge of the picture (when the motion is from left to right), thenwhen the light goes off, the trailing edge of the of the beam will nothave reached the left hand edge of the picture.

During the rest period, when the light is off, the beam leading edgemust move to the right hand edge of the next frame, a distance equal tovt_(r).

The distance between the artwork must be greater than vt_(i).

As the train speeds up, the rate of flashes will increase. If the ratioof t_(i) to t_(r) stays the same, the geometries should be the same forany speed.

The following spreadsheet shown in Table 2 calculates the distance thebeam moves and a recommended beam width for a variety of train speedswith a flash duration of 10 milliseconds and at the fastest train speedwith a flash duration of 1 microsecond. In this example, the flash isassumed to be sufficiently fast so that the issues dependent on flashduration need not be taken into account. With the proper choice of beamwidth, only the flash rate has to vary with train speed.

TABLE 2 Strobe Light Beam Width Correlation Parameter ti = .01 se.000001 s v, mph 20 25 30 35 40 40 d1, ft 6 6 6 6 6 6 w1, ft 3 3 3 3 3 3T = d1/v, sec 0.204545 0.163636 0.136364 0.116883 0.102273 0.102273 ti,sec 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 1E-06 tr = T − ti, sec 0.194545 0.1536360.126364 0.106883 0.092273 0.102272 B, ft 4 4 4 4 4 4 dm, ft 0.2 0.250.3 0.35 0.4 4E-05 dr, ft 3.2 3.25 3.3 3.35 3.4 3.00004 where: v =velocity of train; d1 = distance between artwork; w1 = width of artwork;T = Period, the time between flashes, i.e., the time between when thelight comes on until it comes on again; ti = time light is on tr = timelight is off. T = ti + tr B = width of the light beam at the artwork dm= distance beam moves when light is on dr = required beam width = dm +w1 (must be < d1).

A fixed beam width can be picked that will cover the range of trainspeeds and light timing. If the flash duration is on the order of 1microsecond, there should be no problem with the variability of therequired beam width for varying train speeds. A conservatively wide beamcan be chosen to ensure that the artwork is fully illuminated for theduration of the flash. The same is true if the flash duration is as longas 10 msec. The beam will only move 0.4 feet in 0.01 sec at 40 mph.

The length of the sequence of artwork is a consideration in the controlof the strobe light. If the sequence is long, the probability of trainspeed varying during the time the train is passing the artwork will berelatively high and the timing of the flashes may have to be carefullycontrolled to make sure that the illumination does not drift off theartwork. If the sequence is short, it is less likely that train speedwill change and it will be easier to ensure that the illumination isalways aligned with the artwork.

There are at least three exemplary strobe light control techniques tovary the strobe light flash rate, N, to illuminate the frames ofartwork. Referring to FIG. 4, the first system 21 detects train speedthrough a suitable sensor 22 and enters the speed as a variable to thestrobe light control unit 24 so that the strobe light flash rate willvary as train speed. In this case, as the train approaches a sequence ofartwork, the sensor triggers the strobe 14 to begin flashing at theproper position and the rate would vary with train speed, so that eachpiece of artwork is properly illuminated. The flash rate is a functionof train speed and varies if the train speed varies. Flash rate iscontrolled by intermittently delivering power from the power supply 25or by another suitable means. The advantage of this technique is thatthe flash rate is easily varied and the train speed is easily detectedthrough a radar sensor, for example, housed within the tunnel or othermeans coupled to the train's speedometer.

Referring to FIG. 5, a second strobe light control system 26 triggerseach strobe flash with input from an artwork proximity sensor 27 inwhich artwork position is sensed as the railcar approaches the artwork.In this system, the sensor notifies the control unit 28 when the lighthas reached each piece of artwork and the strobe light 14 is flashed atthe appropriate time, for each piece of artwork. This can beaccomplished, for example, through a beam/mirror arrangement forreflecting light on to the artwork, an infrared optical detector orother suitable means. The components of the sensors may be located onthe train, tunnel, or on both the train and tunnel. An advantage of thissystem is that flash rate is directly coupled to the location of theartwork for proper synchronization.

Referring to FIG. 6, a third system 29 which combines the features ofthe systems of FIGS. 4 and 5, includes a control unit 30 which uses theartwork position and train speed to control illumination of the strobelight 14. As above, artwork position is input through an artworkproximity sensor 32, and train speed is input through a suitable sensor34. An advantage of this system is that illumination of the artworkpieces is synchronized with separate parameters, thereby furtherensuring proper illumination of the artwork as the train passes.

Referring to FIG. 7, another system 37 is shown in which the train speedsensor 40, proximity director 41, and rate signals from a rate detector42 control the strobe light flash rate through controller 38 coupled tostrobe light circuit 40. This unit uses feedback to compensate for“drift”. In this system, the control unit senses the speed of the train,the proximity of the artwork to the train, and flashes of the strobelight. The control unit also calculates the differential (rate ofchange) of the train speed and distance between the train and theartwork. The controller 38 compares flash rate versus speed and flashrate versus proximity of artwork to determine whether the strobe lightis properly focused and has the proper flash rate to illuminate theflames of artwork for the apparent motion visual effect. A synchcomparator 36 actively synchronizes the strobe light to illuminate theframes of artwork using feedback from a flash detector 43. Accordingly,flash rate is controlled as a function of train speed moderated by therelative position of the light and the artwork at the time of flash. Therate detectors improve the tracking ability by using the rate of changeof train speed and the rate of change of relative position of the lightand artwork at the time of flash. Advantages of this system includeimproved tracking.

Due to the variation of trains, tunnels and public transportationsystems, some degree of custom design may have to occur to optimize theinvention for a particular location. For example, depending on where theinvention is used, there may be different amounts of available wallspace, different distance between the railcar and tunnel walls ordifferent locations on the railcar or tunnel on which the strobe lightscan be mounted. To address these potential differences, the strobelights according to the present invention may be mounted in a variety oflocations on the railcar or within the tunnel itself.

Referring to FIGS. 8a through 8 f, the strobe lights 50 are shownmounted to a window on the railcar. The strobe light assembly isfastened to the window frame 54, and sealed to the window. The bulb 56is focused out the window toward the artwork to be illuminated.Referring to FIGS. 9a through 9 e, in an alternate embodiment, thestrobe lights 60 are mounted to the exterior of the railcar 62 above thepassenger windows 64.

Referring to FIG. 10, in yet another embodiment, a beam of light from alight source 70 within the tunnel 72 is focused on a mirror 80 on top ofthe railcar 16. The mirror is positioned to intercept the light beam andreflect it back toward the pieces of artwork 14. In this embodiment, thelight source does not have to be a strobe light. A focused spot lightthat is constantly on while the train is the tunnel could produce thedesired effect. Referring to FIG. 11, where it is not feasible to placethe strobe lights directly on the railcar, the lights 84 may be placedwithin the tunnel 16 itself adjacent the artwork 14. As the train passesby, an infrared sensor 81 triggers the tunnel mounted strobe lights toilluminate the artwork.

For optimal apparent motion, the control system preferably ensures thatviewers only see the piece of artwork they are supposed to see for theproper amount of time. If the image is illuminated for too long, or if aviewer sees a portion of an adjacent frame, image clarity may beaffected. Referring to FIG. 12, an alternate embodiment of a controlsystem is shown to help eliminate this effect. This embodiment involvescoupling adjacent frames to different power supplies that arealternately activated so that adjacent frames are not illuminated at thesame time. By only flashing every other frame each flash period, thepassenger sees the frame directly opposite his or her window and doesnot see any residual flash from an adjacent frame that may tend todegrade image clarity. In the diagram, the squares 97 (individuallylabeled A_(xy)) and the squares 98 (individually labeled B_(xy))represent the artwork and associated lamps coupled to the correspondingcontrol circuit/power supplies A₁ (90) and B₁ (92), respectively. Thelong horizontal rectangles 99 represent the train or railcar havingviewing positions 111-116 at successive train positions 101-107(corresponding to times t) where the flashes will be triggered. Theviewing positions may correspond to a particular railcar or group ofwindows through which one or more passengers observes the apparentmotion visual display. The squares 108 a, 108 b, 109 a, 109 b representoptical detectors coupled to the power supplies that sense the viewingposition by detecting a reflected light beam from a mirror mounted belowthe viewing position. In this example, the spacing between the viewingpositions is twice the frame spacing.

In operation, at time t₁ (corresponding to position 101), the sensor 108a senses that the initial viewing position 111 on the railcar isopposite the first artwork frame A₁₁. The sensor will then trigger theA₁ power supply 90 corresponding to the A₁ strobes to flash,illuminating the six pieces of artwork labeled A₁₁, through A₁₆.

At time t₂ (corresponding to position 102), the sensor 108 b senses thatthe initial viewing position 111 is opposite the second artwork frameB₁₁. The sensor will then trigger the B₁ power supply 92 correspondingto the B₁ strobes to flash, illuminating the six pieces of artworklabeled B₁₁ through B₁₆.

At time t₃ (corresponding to position 103), the initial viewing position111 advances to the third artwork frame A₁₂ and the second viewingposition 112 reaches the first artwork frame A₁₁. The sensor 108 a, uponsensing the second viewing position, causes the A₁ strobes to flash,again illuminating the six pieces of artwork labeled A₁₁ through A₁₆.

At time t₄ (corresponding to position 104), the initial viewing position111 advances to the fourth artwork frame B₁₂ and the second viewingposition 112 reaches the second artwork frame A₁₁. The sensor 108 b,upon sensing the second viewing position, causes the B₁ strobes toflash, again illuminating the six pieces of artwork labeled B₁₁ throughB₁₆. The sequence of alternately flashing the A₁ and B₁ strobescontinues until the end of the railcar comes to the end of the artworkand lights controlled by the control circuits and power suppliescorresponding to A₁ and B₁.

At time t₁₁ (corresponding to position 106), the final (sixth) viewingposition 116 of the railcar is opposite sensor 109 a corresponding tothe A1 strobes. Upon sensing the final viewing position, the sensorcauses the A₁ strobes to flash, again illuminating the six pieces ofartwork labeled A₁₁, through A₁₆. After this position, the A₁ strobes donot flash again until another car passes.

Finally, at time t₁₂ (corresponding to position 107), the final (sixth)viewing position 116 is opposite sensor 109 a corresponding to the A1strobes. Upon sensing the final viewing position, the sensor causes theB₁ strobes to flash, again illuminating the six pieces of artworklabeled B₁₁ through B₁₆. After this position, the B₁ strobes do notflash again until another car passes.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the system exemplified byFIG. 12 can be implemented for any number of different railcar lengthsand viewing positions. In the system of FIG. 12, when the initialviewing position 111 is opposite the artwork frame A₁₆ and the sensor109 a, the final viewing position 116 is opposite frame A₁₁ and sensor109 b. Similarly, when the initial viewing position 111 is opposite thenext artwork frame B₁₆ and the sensor 109 b, the final viewing position116 is opposite frame B₁₁ and sensor 108 b. In both cases, two separatesignals are sent to the corresponding control circuit/power supplies. Toeliminate the possibility of inadvertent double flash, FIG. 13aillustrates the use of an OR logic element 120 having inputs coupled tothe sensors 108 a and 109 a and an output coupled to the controlcircuit/power supply for the A₁ strobes 97. Similarly, FIG. 13billustrates the use of OR logic element 122 having inputs coupled to thesensors 108 b and 109 b and an output coupled to the controlcircuit/power supply for the B₁ strobes 98. The OR circuit assures thatonly one signal will be sent to the control circuit regardless ofwhether one or both of the sensors are activated.

A variety of other enhancements can also be made. For example, ifnecessary, a filament or tint may be applied to the windows to preventor reduce any residual reflection of light which may or may not occurfrom the strobes into the train. Additional visual effects can also beprovided by offsetting red and blue shades in the artwork andilluminating it in such a way that a three dimensional effect isobtained.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, systems for changingthe artwork are used to enable the presentation of different apparentmotion visual displays. Referring to FIGS. 14a and 14 b, the artwork isdisplayed on individual scrolls 125 a-d. Each scroll contains threeseparate frames 127 a-c for different apparent motion sequences. Theentire animation sequence may be changed by vertically rolling thescrolls to reveal the frames for a new sequence. In the preferredembodiment, the scrolls are housed on motorized steel rollers 128 orother suitable means coupled to a remote controller for enabling remoterotation of the scrolls. The artwork on the scrolls is lit sequentiallyby strobe lights as described above.

Referring to FIG. 15, in another embodiment of the present inventionthat enables remote alteration of the apparent motion visual displaysequences, a series of slide projectors 129 are mounted at equaldistances from one another on or adjacent the tunnel wall or floor, andeach one projects a different image corresponding to an artwork frame ona white panel 136. Alternatively, the tunnel walls can be painted asuitable color for displaying the projected images. A sensor (FIG. 11)mounted to each railcar triggers the slide projector bulb to flash for abrief period, projecting the image through a lens on the slide onto thepanel. As a result of projection from an angle, anamorphic lenses 134are used to compensate for distortion of the projected image. To furtherenhance the system, the slides can be placed in a rotatable slide tray132 which is remotely controllable to rotate a different set of slidesto reveal a new sequence of artwork frames for changing the visualdisplay.

Referring to FIG. 16, the artwork frames are displayed from a series offlat screen monitors 140 a-d, such as LED, LCD or digital displays,connected in series along the tunnel wall. The monitors are mounted atequal distances apart and each one shows a different image of artwork. Asensor (FIG. 11) mounted to each train car, triggers the monitor todisplay an image for a brief period. The sequential illumination ofthese monitors creates the illusion of the apparent motion visualdisplay. In an exemplary embodiment, the monitors are three quarters ofan inch thick and connected by one or more coaxial cables 142 linkingthe monitors to a satellite dish 144. The satellite dish can be used todeliver images for the monitors from a central location from which allof the artwork could be changed instantly at any time. This systemallows virtually instant changing of artwork and centralized control ofapparent motion visual displays in tunnels at any global location.Suitable monitors are available from Sony Corp., 3M Corp. and SharpElectronics Corp.

To enhance the apparent motion visual displays, the present inventionalso enables a soundtrack for complimenting the display. The soundtrackcan be broadcast, for example, through radio transmission, internalspeakers, or any other suitable means. FIG. 17 shows a samplearrangement of speakers 146 on a passenger seat 148 and interior railcarwall 150. The soundtrack could also be broadcast over individualheadphones or over a car's public address system. Referring to FIG. 18,a block diagram is shown illustrating one system for coordinating thesoundtrack with the artwork being illuminated. Coordination is achievedby timing the audio system using the same method used to time theflashing of the artwork. Sensor 152 emits an infrared light beam orother signal which reflects from a mirror on the passing train. Thereflected beam is detected by the sensor, which in turn sends a signalto the strobe circuit 154 which enables power from the power supply 156to cause the strobe light 158 to flash, thereby illuminating the artwork160. At the same time, the strobe circuit delivers a signal to astationary transmitter 162 for transmitting radio waves to a railcarmounted receiver 164. The receiver is connected to suitable audiocircuits for producing the desired sound through speakers 146 locatedwithin the railcar. By coupling the sound to the triggering of thestrobe lights, each segment of the soundtrack is played at the correcttime.

Referring to FIG. 19, another aspect of this invention involves a visualdisplay that is dependant on the motion of the viewer but does not useindividual frames of artwork. Instead, it involves a series of verticallight bulb strips which illuminate in a programmed manner to formletters, typographic characters or other graphics that are onlyperceptible to the moving viewer. The longer an image is illuminated themore blurred it appears to a moving viewer; if a single bulb isilluminated long enough it appears to be a line of light instead of asolitary bulb. A vertical strip of bulbs 170 is shown relative to a timeaxis 172. At t=1 four bulbs, 170 b, 170 c, 170 h and 170 i turn on. Asthe viewer moves past the bulbs, he or she sees strips of light, thelength of which is determined by the length of time the bulb isilluminated. At t=3 the bulbs 170 b and 170 c turn off forming shortstrips of light. The lower bulbs 170 h and 170 i remain illuminateduntil t=9 forming longer strips of light. Each of the other bulbs lightis programmed to illuminate at various times between t=0 to t=15 to formthe number “21” 174. Due to the sensitivity of the human eye these timeincrements are very short and do not depend on the speed of the railcar,but each strip of lights can be controlled by the systems of FIGS. 4-7to turn off/on or to change its respective message. FIG. 20 shows avertical strip displaying the letter “E” 180 as observed by a railcarpassenger.

This form of visual display can be varied with other features such ascolored bulbs or tinted windows and can also be combined with theprevious embodiments involving frames of artwork and a soundtrack tocreate a complete display system.

It will be understood to those skilled in the art that the foregoing ismerely illustrative of the principles of the invention, and that variousmodifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention as defined by the following claims. For example, thisinvention is not limited to railcars in tunnels. The same principlesdescribed in the context of the present invention can also be adapted toelevators, buses, people movers or other forms of transportation.

What is claimed is:
 1. Apparatus for presenting apparent motion visualdisplays, the apparatus comprising: a surface; artwork arranged in asequence on the surface; an object moving relative to the surface; andmeans for presenting the artwork wherein an observer on the movingobject sees a visual display in which the artwork has apparent motion,wherein the means for presenting the artwork comprises: a first sectionof artwork displays; a second section of artwork displays on a same sideof the surface as the first section of artwork displays; a first set oflights for illuminating the first section of artwork displays; a secondset of lights for illuminating the second section of artwork displays; afirst sensor for detecting when the observer is opposite one of thedisplays in the first section of artwork displays; a second sensor fordetecting when the observer is opposite one of the displays in thesecond section of artwork displays; and means for controlling the firstand second set of lights wherein the first set of lights is activatedonly when the observer is opposite one of the artwork displays in thefirst section and the second set of lights is activated only when theobserver is opposite one of the artwork displays in the second section.2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for presenting the artworkcomprises: an artwork proximity sensor for determining when the objectis opposite the artwork; means for illuminating the artwork; and acontrol circuit coupled to the artwork proximity sensor and theilluminating means for activating the illuminating means to illuminatethe artwork as the object passes by the artwork.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 2 wherein the artwork proximity sensor comprises: an infraredsensor coupled to the surface adjacent the artwork; and a reflectorattached to the object, wherein the infrared sensor emits an infraredbeam and the reflector reflects the beam back toward the sensor as theobject passes the sensor.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprisingmeans for producing accompanying sound comprising: a radio transmittercoupled to the control circuit for transmitting radio waves uponactivation by the control circuit; and a receiver attached to the objectfor receiving the radio waves and transforming the radio waves to sound.5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the artwork comprises: a pluralityof scrolls, each scroll mounted on one or more rotatable wheels, eachscroll displaying a plurality of frames of artwork; a motor coupled tothe rotatable wheels for moving the scroll; and remote control meanscoupled to the motors for enabling an operator to select the frames thatare displayed.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means forpresenting the artwork comprises: a plurality of slide projectors, eachprojector for displaying one or more artwork images on the surface, theprojector including; means for displaying one of a plurality of slides;an anamorphic lens coupled to the displaying means for compensating forany distortion in the images; and means for remotely controlling theslide projector to selectively display one of the plurality of slides.7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for presenting the artworkcomprises: a plurality of electronic monitors, each monitor fordisplaying one or more artwork images; a central control station; and aremote link coupled between the electronic monitors and the centralcontrol images for enabling an operator to electively display one of theplurality of images.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the remote linkcomprises a satellite dish.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein themeans for presenting the artwork comprises means for alternatelyilluminating artwork displays arranged in a sequence along the surface,wherein adjacent artwork displays are never illuminated at the sametime.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for presenting theartwork comprises: means for producing a continuous beam of light; and areflector mounted on the object and positioned to reflect the beam oflight from on to the artwork as the object passes the artwork.
 11. Anapparatus for presenting apparent motion visual displays, the apparatuscomprising: a surface; an object moving relative to the surface; andmeans for presenting a plurality of images on the surface, wherein afirst image and a second image are presented adjacent to each other onthe surface; and wherein the first image and the second image arepresented at a different period of time on the surface based upon aposition of the moving object relative to the first image and the secondimage; whereby an observer on the moving object is presented the imageson the surface such that the first image and the second image are partof a visual display in which the images have apparent motion, andwherein the means for presenting the images comprises: a first sectionof image displays, which includes the first image; a second section ofimage displays, which includes the second image on a same side of thesurface as the first section of image displays; a first set ofpresenting means for presenting the first section of image displays onthe surface; a second set of presenting means for presenting the secondsection of image displays on the surface; a first sensor for detectingwhen the observer is opposite one of the image displays in the firstsection; a second sensor for detecting when the observer is opposite oneof the image displays in the second section; and means for controllingthe first set and second set of presenting means wherein the first setof presenting means is activated only when the observer is opposite oneof the image displays in the first section and the second set ofpresenting means is activated only when the observer is opposite one ofthe image displays in the second section; whereby the observer views thefirst set of image displays and the second set of image displays as asingle visual display having apparent motion.
 12. The apparatus of claim11 wherein the means for presenting the images on the surface is atleast one slide projector that can be controlled to selectively displayone of a plurality of slides.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein themeans for presenting the images on the surfaces is at least oneelectronic monitor that can be remotely coupled to a central controlstation for allowing an operator to selectively display the images onthe monitor.
 14. Apparatus for presenting apparent motion visualdisplays, the apparatus comprising: a surface; artwork arranged in asequence on the surface; an object moving relative to the surface; meansfor presenting the artwork wherein an observer on the moving object seesa visual display in which the artwork has apparent motion; wherein themeans for presenting the artwork comprises means for alternatelyilluminating artwork displays arranged in a sequence along the surface,comprising: a first section of artwork displays; a second section ofartwork displays; a first set of lights for illuminating the firstsection of artwork displays; a second set of lights for illuminating thesecond section of artwork displays; a first sensor for detecting whenthe observer is opposite one of the displays in the first section ofartwork displays; a second sensor for detecting when the observer isopposite one of the displays in the second section of artwork displays;and means for controlling the first and second set of lights wherein thefirst set of lights is activated only when the observer is opposite oneof the artwork displays in the first section and the second set oflights is activated only when the observer is opposite one of theartwork displays in the second section.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14wherein adjacent artwork displays are not illuminated at the same time.